How to make money during Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a time for stuffing your face full of amazing cajun and creole food, drinking yourself silly, and collecting strings of little plastic beads as if they're going to be currency when the New World Order strikes. Surprisingly, Mardi Gras also offers some great opportunities to make extra money while having fun. Whether your town is a raging Mardi Gras hotspot or just a casual observer, here are a few ways you can make mad cash during Fat Tuesday.

Bake Mardi Gras Treats

Two words: KING CAKE. Mardi Gras is THE time for king cake, and bakeries are going to be going bananas trying to keep up with the orders. Mardi Gras themed cupcakes, cookies and other sweets are going to be in high demand as well. If you're a competent baker, take orders or sell ready-made items right from your home.

Catering

There will be private Mardi Gras parties everywhere and caterers are going to be maxed out.

I don't mean trying to feed 500 people at a masquerade ball or anything like that, I mean cooking cajun staples for small office parties, family functions, and even small weddings. Recruit a friend or family member to help you create large quantities of Mardi Gras favorites like jambalaya, red beans and rice, and of course, gumbo.  Set up shouldn't cost you much if you charge a deposit so you can buy your food and other supplies ahead of time.

Be a Designated Driver with Lyft or Uber

Hurricanes, jello shots, and beer will be everyone's drink of choice come Mardi Gras - aaaaall day long. There are going to be A LOT of people in need of a ride. A. LOT. Sign up to become an Uber or Lyft driver ASAP and do your part to help keep the roads safe all weekend long.

Get Crafty

Make Mardi Gras crafts for indoor and outdoor decor like wreaths and wooden signs, embroidered shirts and hats for Krewes, and even masks and jewelry. Sell your wares at local craft shows, your own yard sale, on Facebook, eBay, and Etsy.

Entertain at Mardi Gras Events or Busk

Use your talents and hire yourself out for events of all kinds like private parties, balls and bar parties. Can't get a gig? Take it to the streets! Set up on a street corner or public park during Mardi Gras and busk (perform for tips). Check with your city's busking rules first!

Make Costumes

In the South, there's as much demand for costumes during Mardi Gras than there is on Halloween! Premake costumes and sell them online and/or take custom orders via Facebook. Court gowns and formals for balls are also needed as well! If you're not much of a seamstress, decorated parasols, hats and other hair accessories are always wanted.

Be a Mardi Gras Event Vendor

Invest some money in buying wholesale high-demand Mardi Gras items like crazy hats, inflatables, light-up toys, masks, tee shirts, tote bags and novelty beads. Apply for a booth space at your local Mardi Gras festival and sell your wares at competitive prices.

Aftermath Cleaning Service

Mardi Gras aftermath can get pretty ugly especially on the streets and in bars.  The City most likely has their own workers and volunteers that clean up public spaces, but we can't say the same for private businesses. Round up a small crew and offer to clean up bars, lounges, and other celebration hot spots - for a fee of course. Plan this well before Mardi Gras so you'll have plenty of time to spread the word about your service.

Do you have any fun Mardi Gras side-hustle ideas?

Share in a comment below!